On the 23rd, Orix Buffaloes kicked off their training camp in Miyazaki with a hand-clapping ceremony after practice. The nine players formed a circle on the diamond at SOKKEN Stadium, and pitcher Nobuyoshi Yamada vice president of the players' association, gave a speech in the center. "I think that over the past month, each of you has faced yourself and done what you needed to do with all your heart. The real challenge begins now. We will win this year. Let's all fight together without wavering this whole year," he said.

catcher Kenya Wakatsuki, the team captain, was selected for the WBC Japan national team, and the veteran left-hander stepped up to take on the important role in his place. Manager Mamoru Kishida commented, "He seemed nervous since last night, and he practiced so much that he was speechless (laughs)."

After 25 years of finishing third, this training camp focused more on defense and base running running than usual. The weather was good, and the manager said, "We were able to do pretty much everything we wanted to do. Everyone's bodies are moving pretty well." He added, "It's no good if we don't show what we've done in the game. We have about a month of exhibition games, so we need to keep that in mind and prepare as much as we can," as he looks ahead to the opening game.